Change Is Possible

Homeless Oxfordshire is here to support people experiencing homelessness on to a journey towards a more fulfilling future. Formed in 1987 we are the largest provider of accommodation for homeless people in Oxfordshire. As well as providing accommodation we also offer a wide range of support services beyond bricks and mortar. We specialise in multiple exclusion homelessness – supporting people who have experienced a deep social exclusion, including institutional care and substance abuse. Homeless Oxfordshire is an open door for people whose lives have been shaped by trauma; providing support, safety, and stability when it is needed most.

A big part of my job is to write and talk about what we do and then go and tell others. My role here has three main parts:

• Fundraising and creating partnerships with our local business community.
• Writing applications to Charitable Trusts & Foundations.
• Building meaningful relationships with supporters who can afford to give above average donations.

Since I joined the charity sector thirteen years ago, I see kindness and generosity on a daily basis and obviously I never tire from seeing it. There is that wonderful quote ‘We make a living out of what we get and a life out of what we give’. I see this in action everyday from the people we support but equally from my front line colleagues here at Homeless Oxfordshire who through their tireless effort want to see change happen in people lives. Some of the team here work in our Women Only Project.

Women Only Project

Through our Women Only Project we are one of only 11% of accommodation projects able to offer women-only provision within our service across the UK. The women we accommodate and support, ?have complex needs including child welfare, family and relationship breakdown, offending behaviour, historic abuse, bereavement, substance misuse, sexual exploitation, domestic violence, childhood trauma and/or self-harm and interrelating problems that contribute to women’s homelessness and presents barriers to recovery.

To learn more about this area of our work, last Friday I had the privilege of sitting down and chatting to our Housing and Resettlement Worker who works specifically with women as part of our Women Only Project.

There are three key areas of her work:

1. Help find the women accommodation. This is challenging as most of them have very complex needs/alcohol and drug dependency.

2. Support them in managing their daily lives.

3. Teach them basis life skills: cooking, managing a budget, going to appointments.

The Women Only Project is a unique service enabling women, who have been on the streets, to be themselves after being in many male dominated environments. Clients can address and develop their needs, physically and psychologically, in a safe and secure environment. While life on the streets is tough for everyone, women are especially vulnerable to exploitation, abuse and sexual violence.

As our meeting was ending, I asked my colleague to say what she particularly loves about her role here at Homeless Oxfordshire. She thought for a few moments and then said very profoundly:

?“I love helping women realise change is possible”.

At Homeless Oxfordshire we are working hard to support those in our community who are experiencing homelessness. We know that everyone’s route to homelessness is unique, usually with many interconnecting experiences and needs that contribute to them becoming homelessness. We always aim to see everyone as individuals, and we don’t give up on people - there is always the potential for things to be different. Change is possible.

And Finally

If you own or work for a local business and would like to discuss how you can support and create a partnership with Homeless Oxfordshire, please do get in touch. You can call 07527849748 or email [email protected] ?– I would love to hear from you.

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